About Altrincham photographer Matt Priestley

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Following a career change some 20 years ago I’ve worked as a full-time freelance photographer. Based Nr Altrincham, Greater Manchester I live with my wife Sue and our two young children. I shoot a mixture of work including, portraiture, wether it be for schools, colleges, individuals or families, weddings, and commercial photography. I cover the whole of the UK and have, on occasions worked internationally.

I absolutely love the job. Making a living through taking pictures is an absolute privilege. The huge diversity of people, events, situations I’ve encountered over the last two decades I could not have dreamt of. Royal visits, soap stars, Politicians, musicians, celebrities, Premiership footballers and referees, weddings on amazing beeches and mountains, hanging over the sides of skyscrapers, shooting from cars and boats, documenting complex medical operations, signing the official secrets act, working at Disney Land, Old Trafford and the Ethiad the list goes on.

As well as commissioned work I undertake personal photographic projects. I love to travel and always carry a camera. It was a trip to India in 1994 that sparked my interest in photography and prompted me to retrain and change direction. I’m currently working on a collaborative project with Manchester’s homeless charity, The Booth Centre, producing a book and exhibition.

I have had four previous exhibitions since. The first being a travelogue of 50 images, shot over 1993/4 during a journey through India, Nepal and the Far East. All colour and shown at a cafe bar in Fallowfield in 1995. The second, shown at Dukes 92 in 1998 was a portrait of Simon Green, aka Betty Legs Diamond who performs at Funny Girls Cabaret club in Blackpool. These pictures were taken as part of my photography City and Guilds, undertaken from 96-98 and consisted of 20 images, all hand printed black and white. The third, hosted by the Richard Goodall Gallery in Manchester was in 2002, and was part of a collaborative exhibition looking at contrasting images of New York and Manchester. The fourth, “The Water Rates” was shown at Arison Gallery in Chorlton 10 years ago, and consisted of a collection of abstract images looking at water, light and movement.

When not working I love hill walking, open water swimming, live music and theatre and most of all, being with friends and family.